In a statement issued on Saturday, October 10, 2026, AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said the coalition forces included the Congolese army (FARDC), the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), Mai-Mai militias, foreign mercenaries and members of the Burundi National Defence Force.
“This military escalation is particularly concerning in the Minembwe region, where attacks continue with increased intensity,” Kanyuka stated.
Kanyuka said the forces intensified drone attacks on Point Zéro and surrounding areas in Minembwe at around 10 p.m. on Friday, October 9.
He added that another attack using kamikaze drones targeted Rugezi and neighbouring areas in the early hours of Saturday, October 10, at around 1 a.m.
According to Kanyuka, the repeated attacks on populated areas had resulted in deaths, forced civilians to flee their homes and worsened an already severe humanitarian situation.
AFC/M23, which operates in the area alongside the MRDP Twirwaneho armed group, did not provide figures for the reported deaths, injuries or displacement.
Point Zéro was among the areas controlled by AFC/M23 and Twirwaneho targeted in the attacks.
The jacket will headline the Michael Jackson: The Fashion Legacy Evening Auction, scheduled for December 7 at the Rosewood Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. The event forms part of Julien’s Auctions’ inaugural Celebrity & Pop Culture Experience, which will run from December 7 to 9.
Ahead of the sale, international previews are planned at the Palace Theatre in Los Angeles, as well as in Japan and Bahrain, giving fans and collectors opportunities to view items associated with the late pop star.
The Thriller jacket is among Jackson’s most recognisable fashion pieces, reflecting the distinctive style that helped define his public image. The music video, released in 1983 and directed by John Landis, became a landmark in popular music through its combination of horror-inspired storytelling, elaborate choreography and cinematic production.
Designed by Deborah Nadoolman Landis, the jacket’s bold red colour and black detailing became closely associated with Jackson’s performance and the video’s enduring cultural influence. Its design has since been widely imitated, making it one of the most recognisable outfits in music history.
The jacket previously sold for $1.8 million at a Julien’s Auctions sale in 2011. Its new expected price of more than $10 million would represent a substantial increase, highlighting the continuing demand for memorabilia linked to influential musicians.
Other items associated with Jackson’s career are also expected to attract collectors. They include his famous white rhinestone glove, associated with his performance of “Billie Jean” during the 1983 television special Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever. The performance helped popularise the moonwalk, which became one of his signature dance moves.
Jackson, who died on June 25, 2009, at the age of 50, remains an influential figure in global music and fashion. His music continues to reach new audiences, while clothing and personal items connected to his career retain considerable interest among collectors.
The December auction is expected to draw international attention to the commercial and cultural legacy of an artist whose influence extended beyond music to dance, fashion and visual storytelling.
If the jacket reaches its anticipated price, the sale would further demonstrate the enduring value of memorabilia associated with one of pop music’s most recognisable figures.
Propstore’s music specialist Mark Hochman looks at Michael Jackson’s tour rehearsal ‘Thriller’ jacket, autographed by Jackson.
The urban index, which serves as the headline measure for monetary policy, rose 2.7 percent on a monthly basis compared to August 2026. The annual average inflation rate between September 2026 and September 2025 stood at 11.5 percent, while the annual average underlying inflation rate was 10.5 percent.
Nationally, the overall Rwanda CPI increased by 20 percent year-on-year and 5 percent month-on-month. Rural inflation rose 22 percent annually and 6.5 percent from August, with rural food and non-alcoholic beverages up 10.6 percent on the month and rural vegetables up 16 percent.
Food and non-alcoholic beverages, the largest component of the urban basket at 27 percent weight, increased 20.9 percent annually and 5.3 percent monthly, making it the biggest driver of September’s monthly rise. Vegetables rose 35.1 percent year-on-year and 10.9 percent in a single month, while meat prices were up 33.6 percent annually but eased 1.8 percent from August.
Transport and housing costs remain elevated. Urban transport prices rose 22.4 percent year-on-year and 0.2 percent month-on-month, while housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels rose 18.3 percent annually and 0.1 percent monthly. Restaurants and hotels rose 18.9 percent year-on-year and 2.8 percent on the month.
NISR’s core index, which strips out fresh food and energy prices to capture underlying price trends, rose 11.4 percent year-on-year and 1.3 percent month-on-month. Fresh products rose 27.9 percent annually and 7.7 percent monthly.
The energy index rose 45 percent annually and 0.2 percent monthly, while the local goods index increased 19.8 percent and the imported goods index rose 9.7 percent over the same period. On a monthly basis, local goods rose 3.4 percent and imported goods 0.5 percent.
NISR’s CPI is based on a basket of 1,622 products, with more than 29,482 prices collected each month in urban areas and 10,744 in rural areas. The urban CPI serves as the headline index for monetary policy purposes.
Food and non-alcoholic beverages, the largest component of the urban basket at 27 percent weight, increased 20.9 percent annually and 5.3 percent monthly, making it the biggest driver of September’s monthly rise.
On global energy developments, Russia reaffirmed its readiness to supply oil and petroleum products to U.S. and global markets, according to the Kremlin.
“I am confident that this will have a positive impact on the entire global economy,” Putin said.
The talks also covered the situation surrounding Iran and various aspects of bilateral relations. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining personal contacts between the presidents and continuing cooperation between their respective administrations, intelligence services and other agencies.
Trump also confirmed the phone call in a post on Truth Social.
“I have just concluded a highly successful discussion with President Vladimir Putin, of Russia, wherein it was agreed that Russia will immediately supply over 300,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel to the American and Global Marketplace, another 500,000 Tons during the month of November, and 1,000,000 Tons immediately thereafter,” Trump wrote.
“Additionally, based on the condition of their Diesel Refineries, Russia will then deliver, within a short period of time, 3,000,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel,” he added.
Trump expressed confidence that the supplies would help bring down global diesel prices quickly.
Following the phone call, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said that Russia will begin lifting restrictions on diesel fuel exports ahead of schedule.
Novak said that Russia stands ready to supply additional diesel volumes to the U.S. market and other partners.
On the same day, the U.S. Department of the Treasury issued a temporary general license allowing the sale, delivery, offloading and importation of Russian-origin diesel fuel to the global market.
In a separate comment to reporters, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov described the phone call between the two presidents as friendly, substantive and 1.5 hours long.
“Considerable attention was paid to prospects for resolving the conflict in Ukraine. Putin spoke in detail about the measures we are taking in response to terrorist attacks by the Kiev regime, which has opted for escalation and is prolonging the conflict in every possible way,” Ushakov said.
He said that Russia’s armed forces hold the full initiative and are advancing in the zone of the special military operation, adding that Kiev’s attempts to strike deep into Russian territory to halt the advance of Russian troops along the entire contact line stand no chance of success.
Ushakov noted that the previous presidential discussion considered the possibility of resuming trilateral talks after the State Duma elections, but the situation has since changed.
“By attempting to sabotage our elections, launching a massive drone attack on Moscow, other cities and polling stations on the main voting day, and targeting individuals involved in organizing the vote, Kiev has effectively scuttled the chance for an immediate restart of negotiations,” Ushakov said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin held a telephone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday, during which considerable attention was paid to prospects for resolving the Ukraine crisis, the Kremlin said.
“It is an assault on the rule of law and on the very foundations of the international legal order,” the ICC said in a statement, in response to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s announcement on Friday that Washington decided to impose sweeping sanctions against the ICC.
“Either the ICC will end its threats, or we will end the ICC. We expect our allies, many of whom are part of the ICC and who rely on American service members for their defense, to rein in the court,” Rubio said.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during a press briefing at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on May 5, 2026.
The ICC reckoned that it would not be deterred by the sanctions, which it said were aimed at disrupting the court’s operations and intimidating those who work for or cooperate with it.
“No one should be punished for serving the cause of justice. History will judge this moment,” the court said.
Dutch government has voiced support for the court. Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen described the U.S. sanctions as “a deeply regrettable step,” adding that the Netherlands would stand firm in defending the ICC. He said the sanctions would not take effect immediately and that service providers could continue to work with the court.
The European Union (EU) on Friday also expressed regret over the U.S. sanctions, saying it stood ready to take the necessary measures to back the court’s work.
“The European Union has been a constant supporter of the International Criminal Court,” the EU said in a statement, describing Washington’s decision to impose sanctions as “deeply regrettable.”
The bloc added that it would work closely with the ICC to ensure that the court continued to operate effectively.
The U.S. Treasury Department on Friday extended the U.S. sanctions against the ICC from individual officials to the institution itself, subjecting it to U.S. asset-blocking sanctions and restrictions on transactions involving U.S. persons. In August, Washington announced sanctions targeted ICC President Tomoko Akane of Japan, and ICC Senior Trial Lawyer Abdoulaye Seye of Senegal.
The Hague-based International Criminal Court (ICC) said on Friday that U.S. sanctions against the court were “an attempt to obstruct the course of justice,” calling on states to take concrete measures to ensure that the court has the necessary means to continue its work.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced the award on October 9, 2026, recognising Pillay, 85, for her work on international justice, international law and human rights.
Pillay served as an ICTR judge from 1995 and became the tribunal’s president in 1999. Based in Arusha, Tanzania, the tribunal was established by the United Nations in 1994 to prosecute individuals responsible for the Genocide against the Tutsi and other serious violations of international humanitarian law committed in Rwanda and neighbouring states that year.
Pillay was elected president in 1999, becoming the tribunal’s second head after Laïty Kama. She was re-elected in 2001 and served at the ICTR for eight years, including four as president.
Role in landmark Akayesu case
Pillay was among the judges who presided over the trial of Jean-Paul Akayesu, the former mayor of Taba commune in Rwanda.
On September 2, 1998, Trial Chamber I of the ICTR, comprising judges Laïty Kama, Lennart Aspegren and Pillay, found Akayesu guilty of genocide, direct and public incitement to commit genocide, murder, torture and rape, among other crimes.
The judgment marked the first time an international criminal tribunal had convicted an individual of genocide. It also established an important precedent by recognising that rape and other forms of sexual violence can constitute acts of genocide when committed with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a protected group.
The ruling addressed sexual violence against Tutsi women during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and contributed to the development of international jurisprudence on genocide and sexual violence in conflict.
Other international judicial roles
Pillay also served in proceedings involving Jean Kambanda, who was prime minister of Rwanda’s interim government in 1994.
Kambanda pleaded guilty to genocide and crimes against humanity and was sentenced to life imprisonment. His case marked the first time a former head of government had been convicted of genocide by an international criminal tribunal.
After leaving the ICTR, Pillay was elected a judge of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in 2003. In 2008, she was appointed United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, serving until 2014.
Born in Durban, South Africa, to a family of Indian Tamil origin, Pillay grew up under apartheid, a system of racial segregation and discrimination. Before taking up international judicial roles, she practised law in South Africa and challenged the discriminatory system. She later became the first Black woman to serve as a judge of South Africa’s High Court.
The Nobel Peace Prize carries a monetary award of 12 million Swedish kronor, equivalent to approximately $1.2 million.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced the award on October 9, 2026, recognising Pillay, 85, for her work on international justice, international law and human rights.
The delegation comprises former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi and former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde.
Their visit to Kinshasa follows meetings with AFC/M23 leaders in Goma and discussions with President Paul Kagame in Kigali on October 7, 2026, focusing on the root causes of the conflict.
The DRC presidency announced that President Félix Tshisekedi was scheduled to receive the delegation on October 9.
The facilitators are expected to brief the Congolese government on the outcomes of their consultations with the different parties before reporting to Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé, who is leading the AU’s mediation efforts.
During their visit to Goma, the delegation met AFC/M23 representatives, the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), humanitarian organisations and members of the ceasefire monitoring mechanism.
Following the meetings, the facilitators urged all parties to engage in the Doha peace process in good faith, respect the ceasefire and cooperate with mechanisms tasked with monitoring its implementation.
AFC/M23 coordinator Corneille Nangaa called for any agreements to include concrete measures whose implementation could be verified.
He also warned that the group would continue fighting if government forces attempted to retake Minembwe, an area in South Kivu that has experienced prolonged fighting.
The AU facilitators have emphasised that their efforts go beyond securing political agreements, with a focus on delivering tangible improvements for civilians. These include protecting civilians, facilitating humanitarian access and safeguarding essential services such as education.
AFC/M23 controls large areas of North Kivu and South Kivu following offensives in early 2025 that saw the group seize the major cities of Goma and Bukavu.
The DRC presidency announced that President Félix Tshisekedi was scheduled to receive the delegation on October 9.
The two drivers, alongside Mercedes’ George Russell, expressed support for bringing Formula 1 back to Africa, which has not hosted a race since the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami, near Johannesburg.
Reports surfaced this week, suggesting that an agreement could have been reached for Rwanda to host a race, with an announcement potentially expected as early as next week. However, Formula 1 is yet to officially confirm the development.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix, seven-time world champion Hamilton reiterated his long-standing call for the championship to return to Africa.
“I haven’t really got any news for you. I saw something on people posting online, but I’ve always said that we need to have a Grand Prix in Africa,” he said.
“It is, for me, the most important continent, to be honest, the most beautiful continent. We’re on all the other continents but that one and there should be no reason for it.”
Seven-time world champion Hamilton has been advocating for the championship to return to Africa.
Hamilton said Formula 1 president Stefano Domenicali had made efforts to advance the possibility of an African race, expressing hope that the discussions would yield positive news.
“It’s something I’ve been pushing for in the background, and Stefano has been amazing. He’s flown to Africa so many times over the last couple of years, speaking to lots and lots of different people, so I hope that he has some news for me soon,” he added.
Four-time world champion Verstappen also welcomed the prospect of Rwanda joining the calendar, recalling his visit to the country in 2024, when he attended an FIA awards ceremony after winning the Formula 1 drivers’ championship.
“For sure, if that’s possible, it would be great. We want to race in a lot of different places in the world, so I really hope that it can be pushed through,” the Red Bull driver said.
“I’ve been once to Rwanda. We have to wait to see if it’s all going to go through, but I think we’re all very excited if that would happen.”
Four-time world champion Verstappen also welcomed the prospect of Rwanda joining the calendar.
Russell, who drives for Mercedes, also backed the possibility of an African Grand Prix, saying his visit to the continent earlier this year had left a positive impression.
“I would be very excited if these rumours were to come true. I was in Africa earlier this year and I really, really loved my time there,” he said.
“Formula 1 is a worldwide sport. Africa is the only continent we don’t race on, and it’s about time we had a race there.”
Rwanda’s F1 bid gathers momentum
Rwanda has been pursuing plans to host a Formula 1 race, with discussions involving the sport’s leadership gaining attention in recent years.
President Paul Kagame reinforced the country’s ambitions in 2024 when Rwanda hosted the General Assembly of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the governing body for world motorsport.
In 2025, Kagame held further discussions with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Domenicali on the possibility of bringing the championship to Rwanda.
Rwanda is among several African countries that have expressed interest in hosting Formula 1, alongside South Africa, Morocco and Nigeria.
South Africa has continued to pursue a return to the calendar, with Kyalami and Cape Town previously considered as potential venues.
South Africa’s Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie appeared to acknowledge Rwanda’s progress in a post on X this week.
“We are happy for Rwanda’s 2030 F1,” he wrote on October 7. “They have worked on it longer than SA and deserve it.”
McKenzie nevertheless maintained that South Africa remained determined to secure its own race, arguing that the continent could accommodate more than one Grand Prix.
Formula 1’s calendar currently allows for a maximum of 24 races a season under its commercial agreements. Several existing race-hosting contracts are due to expire before 2030, potentially creating opportunities for changes to the schedule.
A permanent circuit is reportedly being planned about 40 kilometres from Kigali, near the new Kigali International Airport under construction in Bugesera District.
If Rwanda secures a place on the calendar, it would mark Formula 1’s return to Africa after more than three decades and position the country among the destinations hosting one of the world’s most prominent motorsport championships.
Formula 1 is the world’s premier motorsport championship.
The four astronauts splashed down in the Pacific Ocean near Los Angeles on October 8, 2026, bringing their extended space mission to an end.
During their time in orbit, they travelled more than 100 million miles and completed over 3,792 orbits around Earth.
The returning crew comprised NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Russian cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev.
Their spacecraft, Crew Dragon Freedom, touched down at 8:34 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time.
SpaceX recovery teams subsequently reached the capsule and brought the astronauts and spacecraft aboard a recovery vessel.
The astronauts underwent routine medical evaluations before preparations for their return to shore and onward travel to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.
Meir and Fedyaev completed their second space missions, while Hathaway and Adenot experienced spaceflight for the first time.
Beyond travelling millions of miles, the crew conducted scientific investigations aimed at improving human health and supporting longer journeys into space.
One experiment explored methods of producing stem cells in space, which could potentially contribute to future cell-based medical treatments.
Another demonstrated technology for producing intravenous fluids on demand, an approach that could prove valuable during extended missions far from Earth.
Researchers also investigated how bacteria responsible for pneumonia might contribute to lasting heart damage.
The findings could help improve understanding of cardiovascular health.
Other studies examined nutrition in space and how individual physical characteristics influence blood flow during spaceflight.
Such research is important for understanding the health challenges astronauts face during prolonged exposure to microgravity.
The experiments could help scientists develop better ways to protect astronauts as space agencies prepare for more ambitious missions.
Crew-12 also recorded important milestones in space exploration.
Meir completed four spacewalks during the mission, bringing her career total to seven.
This placed her third among NASA women for the highest number of career spacewalks, behind former astronauts Peggy Whitson and Suni Williams.
Adenot completed three spacewalks, becoming the first French woman to venture outside the International Space Station.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman praised the crew and the thousands of professionals whose work supported the mission, highlighting the importance of building experience and confidence for repeated human spaceflight.
With the astronauts safely home, the mission adds valuable scientific knowledge and operational experience to preparations for future journeys beyond Earth’s orbit.
NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 astronauts returned to Earth aboard the Crew Dragon Freedom spacecraft, splashing down in the Pacific Ocean near Los Angeles.
From unadvertised internships and career mentorships to high-value industry partnerships, professional relationship-building has become an essential pillar of long-term career growth.
As American executive coach and Stand Out author Dorie Clark notes, active networking creates “accidental collisions” that open doors traditional applications simply cannot. For students and recent graduates, these connections offer access to market intelligence, unlisted job opportunities, and practical advice on navigating industry expectations.
However, experts caution that networking is often misunderstood. It is not about collecting contact cards or sending transactional connection requests on LinkedIn.
Former executive and career mentor Jayson Gaignard emphasizes that meaningful networks are built on genuine relationship maintenance rather than quick wins: “Amazing people become more amazing over time.” The goal should be cultivating authentic, mutually beneficial dialogues rather than making immediate demands.
While digital platforms like LinkedIn, X, and Instagram have democratized access to industry leaders across the globe, the process remains intimidating for many.
Early-career professionals often struggle with imposter syndrome, worrying they have little value to offer established experts. Address this by shifting your perspective: young professionals can bring fresh industry insights, digital literacy, and enthusiasm.
Dorie Clark, who is also a Top 50 global management thinker, suggests approaching outreach by “making an offer that would be legitimately valuable to them”, such as sharing a relevant article, engaging thoughtfully with their published work, or offering assistance on a project.
Crucially, experts stress that connections alone are not a substitute for core competence. A strong recommendation might secure an interview, but technical capability, reliability, and professionalism dictate whether someone stays in the room. Ultimately, networking is a long-term strategy rather than a shortcut to employment.
In a fast-evolving global economy, the most resilient careers are built on a foundation of proven skills matched with an active, supportive professional ecosystem.
For the next generation of workforce talent, the central question is not just what you know, but who you connect with, and how consistently you invest in those relationships over time.
From unadvertised internships and career mentorships to high-value industry partnerships, professional relationship-building has become an essential pillar of long-term career growth.
